UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown Foundation announced its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon is going virtual and will be held Oct. 21.

The move is an effort to keep the community and team members safe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Registered participants will join the event online between noon and 1 p.m. to hear a presentation by featured speaker Julie Bousum. In addition, those registered will have a dessert hand-delivered to their location and may participate in a silent auction.

Bousum is a local artist and retired teacher who will share her experience and perspective as a survivor of breast cancer.

“I consider this event an excellent opportunity to encourage others to be diligent about undergoing mammograms on a regular basis,” she said. “I would also like to give credit to family, friends and medical staff for their help and support. My focus throughout treatment was to be a good example for my children and grandchildren.”

Proceeds from the luncheon go toward the Prevent Fund, which was established in 1998 to provide free mammograms for qualifying men and women in the community. The funds help women and men who qualify fill in the gaps of coverage when they have no insurance or a prohibitively high deductible.

“When a provider has recommended a mammogram, it’s critical that people get screenings when they’re due,” said Shari King, administrator of the UnityPoint Health hospital in Marshalltown. “We know early detection can make a huge difference in a person’s treatment and survival rate. Unfortunately, due to financial reasons, many people delay their mammograms, and we hope this event will help raise their awareness and help minimize that risk.”

For more information or to purchase tickets for the luncheon, visit https://bit.ly/bcal2021 or contact UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown Foundation at 641-754-5005 or MT_Foundation@unitypoint.org.